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At least six people have died amid a stampede at a armed forces enlistment event held in a stadium in Ghana.

The Wednesday's "devastating" incident appeared to have been triggered by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and stormed the entrances," announced a release from the nation's military.

22 others were injured, among them 5 who remain in critical condition.

Thousands had gathered at El-Wak stadium, in the capital, Accra, with the aspiration of enlisting in the armed forces.

The country has a youth unemployment rate of about 32%, the latest government statistics show, and such enlistment drives normally draw large crowds and frequently lead to disorderly situations.

The closing date to apply for this event was extended by a seven days to accommodate additional candidates, as a number had experienced difficulties in the application procedure.

Military representative Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the stampede occurred before the planned commencement time of 6:20 AM Greenwich Mean Time.

Ghana's President John Mahama has visited the wounded in medical care.

Order has been restored, and the enlistment process has now started.